How to get a Liquor License in Vermont?

To obtain a liquor license in the state of Vermont, you must apply through the Vermont Department of Liquor Control (DLC). The process involves applying for a First- and Third-Class License, submitting the necessary forms and fees, and providing various documents for review. The process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 weeks after the DLC receives your application with all required information.

1. Apply for a First and Third Class License

• Purpose: This license allows you to serve beer, wine, and spirits in your establishment.
• Estimated Cost: The fee for a First- or Third-Class License is $115.00 to the DLC and $115.00 to your town/city. For a full-year Third-Class license, the fee is $1,095.00 to the DLC.
• Instructions: You can download and complete the First Class License application form from the Vermont Department of Liquor Control website and submit it to the town/city clerk located where your establishment will operate with the appropriate fees. If you also want to serve spirits, you can download and complete a Third-Class License application, which can be submitted directly to the DLC with the appropriate fee at any time.

2. Submit Required Documents

• Purpose: These documents are required by the DLC to verify your business and ensure compliance with Vermont’s liquor laws.
• Instructions: After your application is approved by the local licensing control commission and forwarded to the DLC, you will be contacted by a DLC Investigator who will request various documents, such as your articles of incorporation or LLC, trade name registration, Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN), tax numbers, health license, proof of training in Vermont’s liquor laws, copy of lease, rental agreement or mortgage deed, proof of Workman's Compensation Insurance, and if applicable, a copy of your naturalization certificate.

3. Check the Status of Your Application

• Purpose: This allows you to monitor the progress of your application and ensure it is being processed in a timely manner.
• Instructions: The DLC provides a “License Status Explorer” for you to check the status of your license application.

Useful Information Sources:

• Vermont Department of Liquor Control
• Vermont Liquor Laws and Regulations

FAQs:

• What is the cost of a liquor license in Vermont? The fee for a First- or Third-Class License is $115.00 to the DLC and $115.00 to your town/city. For a full-year Third-Class license, the fee is $1,095.00 to the DLC.
• How long does it take to get a liquor license in Vermont? The process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 weeks after the DLC receives your application with all required information.
• What documents are required to apply for a liquor license in Vermont? You will need to provide various documents such as your articles of incorporation or LLC, trade name registration, Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN), tax numbers, health license, proof of training in Vermont’s liquor laws, copy of lease, rental agreement or mortgage deed, proof of Workman's Compensation Insurance, and, if applicable, a copy of your naturalization certificate.
• Where can I check the status of my liquor license application in Vermont? The DLC provides a “License Status Explorer” for you to check the status of your license application.

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